Removals to India from the UK

Sea freight shipping times from the UK to India are around 6-9 weeks for a full container load (FCL) or 8-12 weeks for a shared container/groupage service (Sometimes called less than container load – LCL). In addition, you will also need to allow added time for customs clearance.

Usually, it will take our professional packers 2-4 days to pack and load a shipping container.

Typical International Removal Costs from the UK to India 2025

As PSS are members of BAR your removal costs are covered by the BAR Advance Payment Guarantee Scheme. As a member of FIDI Global Alliance and having achieved FIDI FAIM top performer status, you can be assured that PSS and our partners in India have the highest standards of professionalism in international moves.

However, due to the nature of international removals and shipping, it is highly recommended that you take out a Marine Insurance policy or Shipment Protection Cover. At PSS we offer and recommend Shipment Protection Cover which is very flexible and has a lot of advantages.

PSS International Shipment Protection Cover

Our policy is quick and easy to set up, simply complete our Shipment Protection valuation form with the items you would like to cover and their values.

Actual costs are calculated as a percentage of the value you wish to cover. These vary depending on whether it’s self-packed or packed by professional overseas movers. Typically this varies from 3% to 5% of the value of the items you want to cover. For more information speak to one of our advisers.

Your dedicated Move Manager will advise you on the required shipping documents and help you with their completion. Example documents required are:

• Fully completed customs form for India (goods to follow list)
• Removal inventory (PSS will prepare this if PSS are packing)
• Valuation form for Shipment Protection cover
• Copy of your Passport and Visa
• Purchase receipts (only applicable if you are importing any newly purchased goods)
• Letter undertaking (not always needed)
• Bank statements, income tax or rent receipts as proof that you have resided outside India for a minimum of 12 months (only applicable for returning citizens)

Like most countries, India has a list of products and goods that are either prohibited or have restrictions on importation.

We highly recommend you check the FIDI Customs Guide for information on what can and cannot be imported into the country.

Failure to do so can result in your shipment being delayed in customs, refused entry or you may have to pay fines or fees for disposal of items.

When your belongings in arrive in India they will need to pass through customs clearance. This can be a complicated and difficult process if you are not familiar with international shipping and removals.

Fortunately, as part of our service, we will handle the customs clearance process on your behalf.

For household removals and shipping of personal effects, you may not have to pay customs duty and taxes on all items.

There may be some additional charges such as inspection fees and quarantine charges you need to pay to the local customs authorities. These vary and so are not included in your shipping quote.

There will be some forms you need to complete and other documentation you need to provide as evidence.

Your Move Manager will be able to talk you through this and you can also find out more details in our India FIDI Customs Guide.

NB: You may be required to register with the Foreigners Registration Office (FRO)/Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) within 14 days of first arrival if you intend to stay continuously for more than 180 days.

We do removals from anywhere in the UK (including London, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland) to all destinations in India including all major cities:

• Mumbai
• Delhi
• Kolkata
• Hyderabad
• Chennai
• Bangalore
• Surat
• Jaipur
• Lucknow
• Indore
• Kanpur
• Thane
• Bhopal
• Patna
• Agra

PSS International provide a full door to door international removal service which includes delivery of items to your new home. (Beware of cheap removal quotes that maybe to port only.)

We will contact you before your container arrives in India to ensure that we have all your relevant paperwork to enable us to start the customs clearance process as well as making sure that we have your correct requirements in place for delivery.

Once the customs clearance of your goods has taken place we can then arrange your delivery and the unpacking of your goods. Our crew will arrive at your new property and place your items in the rooms of your choice and unwrap and remove the packing material. If you are not ready to take delivery then we can offer competitive storage rates for your goods at one of our local depots in India.

Our delivery service with our partner removal company in India includes:

• Delivery to all locations in India
• Dedicated FIDI regulated international movers in India
• Dedicated import clerk in India
• Customs clearance
• Up to date information on delivery & customs clearance process
• Trained import delivery removalist team (by professional movers and packers in India)
• Unpacking of all furniture & removal of any packaging materials on the day of delivery

This is not a problem as all we will require is a contact address and contact details. The delivery address can be advised at a later date or when you arrive.

If required, we can also arrange storage of your household goods and personal effects in India whilst you arrange your new home. Once you’re ready our local movers will be able to deliver your belongings.

Yes! PSS International Removals has extensive positive reviews from customers who have completed removals to India. Our customers consistently praise:

• Professional packing and careful handling of belongings
• Clear communication throughout the entire process
• Competitive pricing with transparent quotes
• On-time delivery and efficient service
• Expert Indian customs support
• Dedicated Move Managers who guide the relocation

To reduce your removal to India costs:

• Choose part-load/groupage shipping – Share container space for smaller moves; you only pay for the space you use
• Choose sea freight over air freight – Sea freight is significantly more economical (though slower)
• Self-pack option – Use our packing materials and pack yourself to save on labour costs
• Be flexible with dates – Book during off-peak seasons
• Reduce volume – Sell or donate items before shipping to minimise space needed
• Compare quotes – Get estimates from reputable removals companies

PSS offers competitive rates for both budget-conscious part-load moves and premium full-container removals to India, with transparent pricing and no hidden fees.

When choosing international movers to India, look for:

• Experience and expertise: Established companies that specialise in international removals to India
• Comprehensive service: Door-to-door, not just port-to-port
• Transparent pricing: Clear quotes with no hidden costs
• Marine insurance: Adequate protection for your belongings in transit
• Positive reviews: Check customer testimonials and ratings
• BAR Overseas membership: British Association of Removers accreditation
• FIDI FAIM: International removals quality assurance standard

PSS Removals has over 40 years of experience in removals UK to India, with hundreds of positive customer reviews and full BAR Overseas and FIDI FAIM accreditation. Get a quote today.

Our comprehensive international movers UK to India service includes:

• Pre-move survey and detailed quotation
• Professional packing materials or full packing service
• UK collection from your door
• Sea freight or air freight to India
• Export customs clearance and documentation
• Shipment protection cover options
• Indian import customs assistance
• Delivery to your new Indian address
• Unpacking service (optional)

We handle the entire removal to India process, so you can focus on settling into your new Indian home.

Transit times for removals from UK to India typically range from 4-6 weeks for major port FCL (full container) shipments, 6-8 weeks for secondary cities, or 6-10 weeks for groupage/part-load service, depending on:

• Departure and destination ports
• Shipping route and carrier schedule
• Customs clearance times in India
• Whether you choose full container, shared service, or air freight

Air freight takes just 7-14 days for urgent smaller shipments but costs significantly more.

Total door-to-door time including collection and final delivery is typically 8-9 weeks (major ports FCL), 8-10 weeks (secondary cities FCL), or 9-14 weeks (groupage).

Removals to India from the UK typically cost from £800 for a few boxes to £4,900+ for full 40ft container moves. The cost of international removals from the UK to India depends on:

• Volume and quantity of household goods you wish to ship
• Full container (FCL) or shared part-load (groupage) service
• Destination city in India
• Shipping method: sea freight (economical) or air freight (faster)
• Additional services: professional packing, insurance, storage
• Time of year and shipping route availability

Contact PSS Removals for an accurate, personalised quote for your furniture removals to India. We offer free home surveys and video assessments.

India has specific customs and import regulations. Prohibited or restricted items include:

• Weapons and firearms: Strictly prohibited without special permits
• Certain food products: Fresh foods, dairy products typically prohibited
• Alcohol and tobacco: Quantity limits and duty charges apply
• Currency and gold: Restrictions on amounts
• Endangered species products: Prohibited
• Satellite phones and communication equipment: Require permits
• Prescription medications: Require proper documentation

Our experienced team provides detailed guidance on Indian customs requirements and helps ensure your furniture removals to India comply with all regulations. We recommend reviewing the official Indian Customs website for the latest requirements.

While not mandatory, we strongly recommend marine insurance for international moves to India. Our tailor-made shipment protection policies cover:

• Loss or damage during packing
• Transit by sea or air
• Customs clearance process
• Delivery to your Indian residence

Your dedicated Move Manager can provide insurance quotes and explain coverage options, helping you choose the right protection level for your household goods and furniture.

A shared container (also called groupage, part-load, or LCL – Less than Container Load) means your belongings share space with other customers’ shipments headed to India. This is ideal for:

• 1-2 bedroom flat moves
• Student relocations or excess baggage
• Small box shipments
• Budget-conscious movers

Benefits:

• Cost-effective – you only pay for the space you use
• Environmentally friendly – efficient use of container space
• Professional packing – your items are clearly labelled and kept separate
• Same door-to-door service

Transit time: 6-10 weeks (slightly longer than full container due to consolidation process)

Yes, we specialise in shipping household furniture to India including beds, sofas, dining tables, wardrobes, bookshelves, and more. Large or valuable furniture items receive professional export packing with custom wood crating if needed.

Important: All wooden furniture and packaging materials must comply with Indian regulations. Items may require fumigation or treatment certificates.

Our team provides full guidance on furniture shipping requirements and ensures compliance with Indian import regulations. Contact us for specific furniture shipping advice.

Yes, our complete door-to-door service includes:

• UK collection: From your current residence anywhere in the UK
• Packing: Professional service or materials for self-packing
• Shipping: Secure sea freight or air freight to Indian ports
• Customs: Full clearance and documentation handling
• Indian delivery: To your new home anywhere in India

Whether you’re moving to Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, or any other Indian location, we handle every step of your international relocation.

There are four easy ways to get your quote:

1. Use our online removal calculator for an instant estimate in 60 seconds
2. Book a free home survey where our surveyor visits your property
3. Book a free video survey for a convenient remote assessment
4. Call 0800 988 3711 to speak with an International Removals Adviser

Container size depends on your home size and belongings:

• 5-10 boxes: Small parcel or baggage shipping
• Studio/1-bedroom: Shared container (groupage/part load)
• 2-3 bedroom: 20ft container or large groupage
• 4 bedroom: 40ft container
• 5+ bedroom: 40ft High Cube container

Our free home survey will assess your exact requirements and recommend the most cost-effective solution.

For removals to India, you’ll typically need:

• Detailed inventory list of all items being shipped (in English)
• Passport copy and visa/work permit
• Transfer of Residence (ToR) documents if applicable
• Bill of Lading and shipping documents
• Original receipts for high-value items (electronics, jewellery)
• Customs declaration forms
• Import permit (for eligible returning residents)

Your dedicated Move Manager will guide you through all documentation requirements and help ensure everything is in order for Indian customs clearance. We provide expert support throughout the entire process. For more information, visit our FAQs page.